A day of prayers gave way to a night of mourning as New Yorkers learned of John Cardinal O’Connor’s death.

Manhattan resident Danielle Dehart came by St. Patrick’s Cathedral and left two candles and some pink carnations.

“I strayed from my faith and came back to it later on. I just can’t believe he’s gone now,” she said.

One bouquet left at the cathedral had a card with the message: “We love you forever. Your spirit and teachings will be with us always.”

Postal worker Eileen Bram sobbed as she passed the cathedral and saw the array of tributes.

“I never met him, but I’ve been coming to Mass for weeks,” she said. “He did so much good. He showed no indifference to anybody.”

It was a sentiment that echoed in all corners of the city after the cardinal’s death was announced shortly after 10 p.m.

“He’s going to be missed so much. We were really blessed to have him as our cardinal,” said Maria Pugliese, 39, a secretary from Queens, walking by the residence where O’Connor passed away at 8:05 p.m.

“I’m sad that he’s gone, but I know he’s in heaven and he’s not in any more pain.”

Anthony Batista, 41, a doorman at a building across the street from Cathedral High School, where O’Connor’s death was officially announced, said he was gripped by sadness.

“He was a great man,” Batista said simply.

Natalie Allen, a Philadelphia resident here on a business trip, reflected on O’Connor’s final days as she passed the cathedral.

“What struck me is that throughout his illness, he handled it with such grace,” she said. “I wish him a safe journey home.”

Some of those grieving had personal stories of how the cardinal had touched their lives.

Monsignor Michael Wrenn said O’Connor had made him the pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in 1987.

“He was a tremendously dedicated priest who did everything that had to be done in his own classic way,” he said. Wrenn said O’Connor didn’t lose his personal touch after he fell ill, remembering how when he last saw him two months ago, “he thanked me for the lemon cakes I sent him.”

And it wasn’t just Catholics who felt the loss.

“This is a sad day for all New Yorkers – a big loss for the city,” said Michelle Rosenberg, a 21-year-old student. “He was loved and adored by people of all religions. There will never be another cardinal like him.”